Simon Pegg opens up about alcoholism: ‘It’s a very private hell’

Actor said his longtime collaborator Nick Frost knew about his addiction but it was ‘too scary’ to admit it

Nick Frost and Simon Pegg in 2014 (Rex Features)

Simon Pegg has opened up about his struggles with depression and alcoholism, calling addiction a “very private hell”.

The actor, writer and longtime collaborator of Nick Frost has had depression since the age of 18. In his late 30s – when he worked on 14 films including Mission: Impossible III and Hot Fuzz – he developed an addiction to alcohol.

“I think Nick knew, but he didn’t want to admit it because it was too scary,” Pegg said of Frost in a new interview with The Sunday Times. “But it’s a very private hell that you’re in. You’re trying to look OK to other people.

"You’re creating this reality that you’re not unwell, and you’re trying to believe that, whereas really you’re clearly not well and you’re very sad, and drinking, or whatever you’re doing, to try and change how you feel.

“It’s a strange kind of split personality that you have.”

Pegg spent time in a rehabilitation hospital, The Priory, to recover from his addiction. A decade on, he lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and daughter. He said he is “always aware” of his condition, knowing it is not something “you just get better from”.

Pegg can next be seen in comedy-horror Truth Seekers later this year. It will be his and Frost's first TV series together since Spaced aired 19 years ago.

For guidance and support on drug addiction, you can contact the 24-hour Frank helpline on 0300 123 6600, text the charity at 82111 or email at frank@talktofrank.com.